Bee Healthy
Alzheimer's Association to hold art auction

There are not many opportunities to bid on a watercolor painted by a 112-year-old woman.

Pat Thomas is currently the oldest person residing in New York State and was just certified as one of the 200 oldest people to have ever lived.

Thomas also loves to paint, which seems to be her escape from the Alzheimer's disease she lives with every day.

Two of her watercolor paintings will be auctioned at this year's Memories in the Making art auction, to be held by the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29 at The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, Buffalo.

The event will feature 32 watercolor paintings created by local residents with dementia. The works will be sold in a silent auction.

Each painting is accompanied by a story produced by the artist about the painting. Also, there will be a live auction of 10 additional watercolors, each accompanied by a complementary piece of artwork from a featured community artisan.

Memories in the Making is a creative art program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York for individuals suffering from the early or middle stages of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

Through their art, participants are able to express with drawing, painting and colors what they may not be able to express with words.

Twenty-two area facilities participate in the program.

Door prizes will also be given away, including a free night's stay at The Mansion on Delaware Avenue.

Entertainment will be provided by Diane Milello and Richard Kaye of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

There will also be a gourmet hors d'oeuvres buffet, wine and beverages.

Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased by calling the chapter at 626-0600 by Friday, Feb. 22. ALS support group

holds monthly

meeting

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, Upstate N.Y. chapter, will hold its monthly support group meeting for patients and families living with the disease from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 at the Eggertsville/Snyder branch of the Amherst Libraries, 4622 Main St., Amherst.

The organization's new executive director will host the meeting.

Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS progressively destroys the nerves in the brain and spine that control motor skills. But it also affects the families of those dealing with the disease.

The goal of the ALS support group is to reach as many patients and families affected as possible to let them know that they don't have to face the situation alone.

No RSVP is needed for the event. For more information, e-mail info@alsaupstateny.org or call 1-866-499-7257. Veterans hospital

holds nursing

open house

Nurses looking for a career serving America's heroes are invited to attend a Nursing Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1 in Room 1109C at Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Ave., Buffalo.

Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners are encouraged to attend the open house and learn how to make a difference in the lives of the nation's veterans.

The VA Healthcare System, which is governed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers competitive salaries and benefits along with education assistance programs and registered nurse recruitment bonuses.

For more information, call 862-8872 or view job opportunities online at www.va.gov.